The Federal Government has expanded the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) to strengthen oversight and ensure the timely implementation of agreements reached with organised labour across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The initiative, led by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, is aimed at improving accountability, resolving labour-related issues and sustaining industrial harmony in the tertiary education sector.
Speaking at the committee’s inauguration in Abuja on Wednesday, Alausa said effective implementation of agreements required continuous monitoring, accountability and prompt resolution of outstanding commitments. He attributed the agreements reached with 16 labour unions within approximately one year to a consolidated negotiation structure that improved coordination and institutional memory.
According to the minister, the expanded committee will monitor government commitments, identify obstacles to implementation and refer unresolved issues to the appropriate authorities. Its membership includes representatives of the Federal Ministries of Education, Labour and Employment, Justice, and Finance, alongside relevant agencies.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, urged stakeholders to embrace constructive dialogue and shared responsibility to ensure the successful implementation of the agreements.
Similarly, the committee’s chairman, Senator Olarewaju Tejuoso, announced plans to establish five standing Sectoral Implementation Monitoring Committees to address sector-specific concerns and track compliance with agreed commitments.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening labour relations, preventing disruptions to academic activities and building a stable and productive tertiary education system in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The statement was signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education.
